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Why Does My Cat Lay on My Chest? 5 Reasons Cats Sleep on You

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As a cat parent, it’s handy to know as much as you can about your feline, such as how best to care for your cat and even what their different behaviors mean – like, why does my cat lay on my chest?

While there are many myths about cats and how they simply use you for room and lodging, they’re simply not true. Cats are loving and loyal, and they show their affection in many ways, such as bringing you their cat toys, following you around, or even – you guessed it – laying on you.

Let’s dive right into some theories surrounding why your kitty may like to lay on you.

woman asleep with grey cat in arms perhaps wondering why does my cat lay on my chest

Contents

Why Does My Cat Sleep on My Chest?

1. Your Cat Loves You

Why do cats lay on your chest? We’ll start off with the obvious. This may sound simple, but a physical touch from your cat can be as uncomplicated as them showing you they love you. Think of it as their way of giving you a hug or a cuddle. Let’s face it; they’ve got a crush on you!

So if your fur-baby curls up on your chest or a limb, you can consider yourself a beloved cat owner.

what does it mean when a cat headbutts you - ginger cat snugglin

2. They’re Suckers for Some Warmth

It’s no secret that cats like to sit, lie, and curl up in warm places. Whether that’s on a sunny windowsill or their human’s chest (or any body part for that matter), they’ll be content. Taking advantage of their humans’ body heat also increases their chance of being petted, so who can blame these little opportunists?

However, they don’t seem to put up with any movement from their warm surfaces. So you’ll notice if you don’t sit very still, they’ll quickly move along to the next best toasty spot.

That may be a sunny windowsill or even your spot on the couch when you get up – you warmed it up so nicely, after all.

Young bearded guy sleeping on sofa at home

And let’s admit it, having a fluffy cat heater curled up on your lap can be equally beneficial. Not only does it make for a very cozy situation, but your kitty companion being in close contact with you can be hugely comforting.

3. Your Heartbeat Soothes Them

This is certainly not a bizarre conclusion to draw. Your baby kitten may associate it with sleeping close to their mamma and, therefore, associate it with feelings of security. After all, is that not how we may have handled them as kittens – snuggling them right under our chins?

These bodily rhythms remind them of the gentle purrs from their parents and can be deeply hypnotizing and calming.

While these felines are very independent creatures, reverting back to ‘childish’ kitty behavior is a common occurrence and possibly a place of safety for them.

Cats certainly have a playful, childlike side that often manifests in how they feel or show love.

woman with eyes closed curled up with sleepy cat on bed

So if you sense your kitty being vulnerable and anxious, treat them with an embrace you would give a human child. Give them a snuggle and hold them close to your heart.

4. Your Cat is Trying to Claim You

If you think about it, your cat trying to claim you is a rather cute cat trait. They are known to lie on everything from their cat toys, beds, and even your clothes. This is because cats are very territorial creatures.

They mark their territory by spreading their scent or simply sitting and claiming ownership over a particular spot. So next time your kitty plops itself on you, you can assume they’ve said the equivalent of “mine”.

teen pretty girl kiss black cat close up portrait

5. They Seek Security or Comfort

As mentioned previously, cats have a strong connection to smells, and our chests certainly smell strongly of us. Familiar scents go a long way toward making your kitty feel reassured. So finding them on piles of your worn clothing is not uncommon. In fact, you may find yourself ‘donating’ your favorite sweater to your kitty for permanent use.

Cats also have natural born instincts to constantly be alert for predators. This can often be distressing for them if they don’t feel safe. So when your kitty curls up on you, it is, in fact, a compliment of the highest degree, as they’ve deemed you to be the safest spot of all.

woman lying on bed with ginger cat curled up under her arm

Is It Bad if My Cat Wants to Lie on my Chest?

Opening your eyes first thing in the morning and seeing a cat’s face or butt may be the cat dream for some, but for others, it’s less ideal. And let’s be real, a sleeping feline on top of you all night long may not make for the most restful slumber either. But is it a bad thing?

Essentially, it isn’t a bad thing for either you or your cat if it wants to lie on your chest. However, having a cat on your chest can be uncomfortable for many humans, particularly if your cat decides to settle in for some time.
Luckily, there is a compromise to be made, which is sure to leave both parties cozy, happy, and well-rested at the end. This compromise comes in the form of a good cat bed.

two kittens in a cat bed

Your best bet would be something comfortable, soft, and preferably with a heating feature for your kitty’s maximum pleasure. Throw in that old sweater that smells like you, and you’ve got a winning combo.

And if you put it next to your bed at night, they’ll have the next best thing after your chest. This way, you’ll be able to breathe deeply and freely, and your poor kitty won’t be crushed by an accidental rollover from you.

Why Does My Cat Sit on My Chest FAQs

Is it normal that my cat sleeps on my chest? Yes, it is fairly normal, and there are a couple of reasons this happens. But there are other related questions that you might be wondering about:

What Does it Mean When Your Cat Lays on Your Chest?

While there are many reasons your cat might be lying on your chest that are outlined in this post, it generally means that your cat feels safe and secure when it’s around you. It may also be a sign of affection and that your cat recognizes you as their trusted companion. Additionally, cats often enjoy the warmth provided by snuggling up to their owners.

How To Make Sure My Cat is Comfortable When Sleeping on Me?

•  Make sure they have plenty of blankets and pillows to create a cozy nest.
• Give them access to their favorite spots, like in your lap, chest, or nuzzled under your neck.
• If it’s cold outside, consider providing a heated sleeping spot for them.
• Allow them to rest in peace by limiting noise and activity when they’re napping on you.

Do Cats Lay on Your Chest to Heal You?

While cats might not be going out of their way to heal you, there most certainly is some therapeutic properties to having a cat sit on you. If a cat sits on your chest and purrs, the frequency of its purrs not only relieves stress but also emits a frequency that can heal illnesses.

How Can You Tell if a Cat Has Imprinted on You?

Cats show that they are comfortable with other animals by spending time in their presence, sleeping in their presence, and even rubbing up against them. When a cat has imprinted on you, it will engage in much of the same behavior. If your cat spends a lot of time with you, is happy to sleep near you, and rubs its body against you, it means your cat has imprinted on you.

What Does it Mean When a Cat Puts Their Paw on Your Heart?

Cats put their paws on you in order to transfer their scent to you. This is not an act of possession, but instead, they want to make their world smell like them. This is because their own scent is comforting to them, so if you smell like them, they are more comfortable with you as well.

How Do Cats Pick Their Favorite Person?

Many studies have been done about how cats pick their favorite person. Time and time again, these studies show that the people that make the most effort to get to know their cat’s communication and body language become their favorite human. If you take time to get to know your cat’s signals, you could easily become their most treasured companion. You could have a cat sleeping on your chest every day.

What Does it Mean When Your Cat Stretches in Front of You?

If a cat stretches out in front of you, it is generally a sign that they are feeling content. It’s no secret that cats sleep for a long time each and every day, but they stretch when they are feeling extra satisfied. So take it as a compliment if your cat is stretching out in front of you, and take some time to give it a tummy tickle

Why Do Cats Walk on You?

Your cat sees you as their person, but to them, you look like one huge cushion. So if they feel comfortable with you, then they will likely treat you just like a cushion. Often when they walk up and down your body, they are trying to find the most comfortable place for them to lie down.

Why Do Cats Touch Your Face with Their Nose?

When cats rub their nose on your face, it means that they are rubbing their friendly pheromones against you. They are showing you their affection and simultaneously marking you with their scent for comfort reasons.

woman with cat mask and cat in bed

Final Thoughts on Why Your Cat Lays on You

It’s no secret that cats have a whole host of quirky behaviors (like eating your hair), but we love them all the more for it. So the short answer when it comes to your fur babies settling themselves on top of you is that you’re comfortable, warm, and familiar.

It might not be normal human behavior to sit on top of someone you love, but our kitties are different.

Woman and cute cat sitting on rocking chair in the front of the

It seems cats are more affectionate than some have claimed them to be, after all. And let’s not forget, these felines are highly intelligent creatures.

It’s, therefore, no wonder they’d jump at the opportunity for a soft, comforting, heat-generating human form over a regular old cat tree. So let’s give credit where credit is due. And perhaps embrace these chest moments as good old-fashioned quality time with our little fur babies.

Sleeping young man with fluffy red cat
charlotte photo

Meet the Veterinary Expert

Charlotte recently became a doctor and studied at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She’s volunteered in her university’s obstetrical clinic, and equine clinic, and is dog mum to 14-year-old Chiki. Charlotte loves to travel and has completed externships in Austria, Spain, and Belgium.

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